Portfolio "El Refranero"
Passed down from generations, and derived from the collective common experience, the refrán is a popular saying that expresses either knowledge, guidance or social values.
Popular wisdom is exalted in this woodcut series rich in color, movement and traditional sceneries. The author uses old proverbs or sayings to elaborate a group of images illustrative of the power in the mix of language and captivating imagery involved in oral traditions.
Cada cual baila al son que le tocan by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
This graphic work showcases the bomba music genre. This traditional type of music has over 25 known rhythms and is played with barrel drums called barriles.
The artist illustrates a conversation between the dancer and the drums, as the woman responds with rhythmic movement to what the music requests.
Con solo decir amén, la misa no sale bien by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
The artwork depicts the images of the Virgen de Monserrate (enthroned) and Virgen del Carmen (standing) who are amongst the most venerated catholic patrons of Puerto Rico. The saying is a critique for people who say "yes" to everything.
Cuando Dios no quiere, el santo no puede by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
A humble man is asking for a miracle from San Antonio. The saint is portrayed with the robes of his religious order and the tonsure on the top of his head. San Antonio is the patron of sailors and bread makers.
It is said that he is also the one to ask to find all lost things and true love.
Ni se puede repicar las campanas, e ir en la procesión by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
The artist uses the representation of a procession at Old San Juan (observe the cobblestones) while a lone man rings the cathedral bells. The saying means that no one can be at two places at the same time and expect to do a good job in both places.
En el país de los ciegos, el tuerto es el rey by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
A man wearing an eye patch sits on a throne, while the blind dances around him. The saying means that some people are overvalued, not because they are good, but because they are less bad.
Cada guaraguao tiene su pitirre by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
The pitirre, or Gray Kingbird, is a native bird to the Caribbean islands. Even though it's little, it's very aggressive, especially when defending its nest. Not even the guaraguao can fight it. The pitirre is commonly used as a symbol of Puerto Ricans courage and determination.
De un lobo un pelo by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
The use of this refrán on the island is interesting because the wolves are not part of the Puerto Rican fauna. It is a common saying when someone is waiting for great results and gets less.
Pez grande se come al chiquito by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
The artist uses colorful tropical reef fish as a representation of the powerful against the weak and vulnerable.
Hijo de gato caza ratón by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
This composition shows a rat in the foreground while in the back there are two human figures (father and son) displaying cat tails. The saying means that a son is expected to inherit his father's distinctive traits or features.
Al mejor cazador, se le escapa una liebre by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
A hare hops away and the hunter can do nothing but observe. The saying means that even the best can fail once in a while.
En boca cerrada no entran moscas by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
Flies are hovering around two women that are talking ill about others. The stink of their rotten words attracts the insects. This refrán is directed at gossiping and its consequences. It's another way to say that "silence is golden."
El que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
A woman rests comfortably under a lush and leafy tree. She is protected from the sun and the elements. This is a metaphor of what happens to the people who keep the right company around.
Del agua mansa me libre Dios, que de la brava me libro yo by José R. AliceaInstituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña
A man watches the river as not everything is what it seems. This suggests that a person can take precautions and defend their life against what can be seen. For anything that is out of scope, such as the horrors underlying placid waters, some divine mediation may be necessary.
